Things You'll Need:
- Stud finder
- Pencil
- Level
- Tape measure
- Masking tape
- 2x4 piece of wood
- Drill
- Saw
- Wrench
- Lag screws -- at least 3½" in length
- Wood glue
- Brad nails
- Hammer
- Floating shelves
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Step 1
Run the stud finder across the wall the shelves are to mount on. Each time a stud is found, mark an X on the wall with the pencil at the height of the shelf to be installed. Studs should measure approximately 16 to 24 inches apart, so mark as many as you will need for the length of the shelf or shelves. Do not depend on this approximation, since every wall is different; use the stud finder to locate each stud that is needed.
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Step 2
Use the level to mark a straight line down the wall, if more than one shelf will be installed, to illustrate where the stud is located. Take the masking tape and run a line down the wall over each pencil mark. Do this for each stud marked. Now make lines going across the studs, using the level to ensure everything is even. Each line represents a shelf that is to be hung.
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Step 3
Measure the width of the opening of the shelf to get an accurate cut on the wood. The floating shelf contains a hollow opening on its back edge that must fit snuggly over the wood that will be attached to the wall, to ensure that the shelf does not collapse. Mark out the width on the 2x4 and cut. This is called a cleat, and it is the support for your shelf.
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Step 4
Mark the cleat with the location of each stud and drill a hole at each mark; the holes will be used to bolt the cleat to the studs. Whatever width the lag screws are, that is the size drill bit to use. For instance, if you purchased lag screws that are ¼" by 3½", use a ¼" drill bit to make the holes.
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Step 5
Place your cleat right under the line previously drawn on the wall for the shelf. This will keep the wood level so the shelf isn't crooked. Drill through the first hole in the cleat, using a size smaller bit, and into the wall. The smaller bit will allow the screws to go into the wall, and they will hold in place better. Use the wrench and a lag screw to bolt the cleat to the wall. Do not tighten the screw. Just put it in enough so the shelf will hold. Go to the last hole drilled into the cleat and repeat the steps. The cleat is now up on the wall, and the other screws can be put in place. Use the level to ensure everything is even. If so, tighten all the lag screws to the cleat.
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Step 6
Dry fit the shelves after each cleat is up, to ensure they slide over the cleats but aren't too loose. Use wood glue on the inside of the shelves as well as on the top and bottom of the cleats. Slide each shelf on and attach to the cleat with brad nails approximately every 8 to 10 inches.
